New Delhi: A devastating explosion near the Red Fort on Monday resulted in the deaths of at least 12 individuals. Initial evaluations by security officials suggest that the blast may have stemmed from panic and urgency following extensive raids conducted by security forces in various areas of Delhi-NCR and Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, targeting suspects linked to a terror network.

According to senior security personnel, the bomb was not fully developed and detonated prematurely, which mitigated its potential damage.

The explosion did not leave a crater, and no shrapnel or projectiles were discovered at the scene, indicating that a larger attack was thwarted due to heightened national alertness and a coordinated effort against suspected terror modules.

Investigators are currently determining whether the incident was planned or accidental.

The recent raids in Delhi-NCR and Pulwama resulted in the seizure of large amounts of explosives, which may have pressured the suspects into acting hastily.

Authorities arrested eight individuals, including three medical professionals, and confiscated 2,900 kg of bomb-making materials during the dismantling of a white-collar terror group on November 9 and 10.

The suspects deviated from the typical approach of a suicide car bombing, as they did not intentionally crash their vehicle into a target.

Investigators now believe that the explosion was likely accidental rather than a deliberate suicide attack.

It appears that the terror group improperly assembled the improvised explosive device (IED), resulting in the blast occurring in a moving vehicle.

The explosion happened at a traffic signal near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro station on Monday evening, claiming at least 12 lives and damaging several cars.